2009 Kia Amanti problems
The Kia Opirus is an executive car/full-size sedan, manufactured by Kia Motors and marketed over a single generation for model years 2003–2012 globally and 2004-2009 in North America. Having debuted internationally at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, the four-door, five-passenger, front-engine, front-drive sedan was launched to the North American market at the New York International Auto Show and in San Diego, bearing the Amanti nameplate — and prioritizing luxury content and comfort over dynamic performance and agility.
Intended to give Kia upward access to global premium markets, the Opirus represented a departure for the brand in both styling and market positioning. Developed over 22 months at a cost US$167 million (€143 million), 18% of the overall development cost went to R&D investment and 41% to development of production technologies.
As Kia's first premium vehicle, the Opirus replaced the Mazda 929-derived Enterprise in the South Korean domestic market. The Opirus was also the first Kia vehicle sharing a platform with sister company Hyundai, using a variation of the third generation Hyundai Grandeur/XG Y4 platform. For the Opirus, the platform was lengthened 1.9 inches, overall length increased 4.1 inches and height increased 2.6 inches. As Kia's largest sedan, the Opirus was marketed in a single trim level, sharing components with the Grandeur/XG, and a range of engines including its 3.5 L V6 engine (North America). All models were manufactured in Kia's Hwaseong Plant near Incheon.
A 2007 facelift, introduced at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, included upgraded specifications, a curb weight reduction of 250 pounds, revised suspension and a 3.8 L V6 engine (North America) with a 32-percent increase in power over its predecessor. Styling revisions included a shorter and wider grill, revised hood, headlamps, front and rear bumper fascias, alloy wheels, trunk deck lid, tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and rear quarter panels. The interior featured a revised instrument panel design.
The name Opirus referred to the ancient city of Ophir, noted for its wealth — and was selected via an online survey from the choices of Opirus, Regent and Conzern. In 2004, the New York Times described the name Amanti as an untranslatable latinate construction, intended to connote luxury.
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Common 2009 Kia Amanti problems
The 2009 Kia Amanti is a large sedan with a spacious cabin and a quiet ride, but it has several common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues with the Kia Amanti is the accelerator position switch, which may fail and cause sluggish acceleration. This problem can be frustrating for drivers, especially when trying to merge onto highways or pass other vehicles.
The 2009 Kia Amanti has also been reported to have suspension issues. ConsumerGuide notes that the suspension is unusually soft, which can result in poor composure over sharper bumps. This can make for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride, especially on rough roads.
Another common problem with the Kia Amanti is the vague steering. The steering can feel unresponsive and imprecise, which can make it difficult to maneuver the car accurately. This can be a safety concern, especially in emergency situations.
Additionally, the 2009 Kia Amanti has been reported to have engine issues. Owners have made 7 complaints about engine problems, which can be a significant concern for any vehicle. These issues can range from stalling to loss of power while driving, which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.
Finally, the 2009 Kia Amanti has been reported to have issues with its electrical system. Owners have made 3 complaints about electrical problems, which can include issues with the battery draining or the headlights burning out. These issues can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, especially if they occur while driving.
In summary, the 2009 Kia Amanti has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues include accelerator position switch failure, suspension problems, vague steering, engine issues, and electrical problems. While the Amanti has many positive features, such as a spacious cabin and quiet ride, these issues are important to consider when purchasing or maintaining this vehicle.
Is the Kia Amanti reliable?
Kia Amanti Reliability Problems
Amanti owners have made 24 complaints over 6 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 21 Kia models , with real engine and lights concerns.
Is the Kia Amanti a luxury car?
The Amanti is Kia's first big luxury car. It's smooth and quiet out on the road; comes with a V6 engine that delivers adequate performance; and is roomy and comfortable.
What year did Kia stop making the Amanti?
| Kia Opirus | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Kia Amanti |
| Production | 2003–2011 |
| Model years | 2003–2012 |
| Assembly | South Korea: Hwasung (Hwasung Plant) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) |
How much horsepower does a 2009 Kia Amanti have?
264 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Used 2009 Kia Amanti - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 264 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Valves | 24 |
| Cam type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
2009 Kia Amanti car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Amanti problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Kia Amanti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Kia Amanti complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Kia Amanti.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNALD225995
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: When pulling into a parking spot and with my foot on the break, the car suddenly accelerated. The car did not react to my breaking. The car kept moving forward over a sidewalk, over the curb on the street, into the back end of a pickup parked on the road I was facing, and started heading across the street toward another parked truck. Luckily there was no one on the sidewalk, no one was hurt. This has not happened before or since. No warning signs. When I took the car in to get an alternator replaced, the initial shop said they could not fix it bacause of codes that came up concerning the electrical system. I then had the car towed to a Kia dealer. They fixed the alternator but never mentioned the other codes. Suspecious.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-22
- VIN: KNALD225395
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH RECALL NUMBER 13V114000 WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE ON DEC.5, 2014. 52098 MILES. ON JUNE 22, 2016 THE SWITCH FAILED WITH 66,219 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN STORAGE UNTIL SEPT. 12, 2016 WITH 66,219 MILES. I HAD IT TOWED TO EARNHART KIA BY AAA. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACE FOR $239.42. THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE OF TIME AND MILEAGE. I CALLED KIA CASE #3274275. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THE SAME AS THE DEALER. MY GRIPE IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND KIA SHOULD REPLACE THE SWITCH AT NO OR VERY LITTLE COST I HAD NO WARNING THAT I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS UNTIL I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. SOMEONE COULD HAVE HIT US WITHOUT BRAKES LIGHTS WORKING. THAT IS WHY WE HAD THE CAR TOWED. IT IS THE SAFETY THAT CONCERNS US!
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-13
- VIN: KNALD225495
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-09
- VIN: KNALD225995
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA AMANTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. WITHIN APPROXIMATELY FORTY FIVE MINUTES THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,300. UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF
2009 Kia Amanti recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Kia Amanti.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Negative 2009 Kia Amanti car reviews
Positive 2009 Kia Amanti car reviews
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Great car for the price! It's comparable in interior room and size, luxury, sound, and performance to the more expensive Chrysler 300M or Buick Lucerne. I'm so glad to hear that it was the perfect touring car, even through West Virginia highways. Your wife must be thrilled with the memory seats and power pedal adjustment!
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On April 3, I purchased a Midnight Gray Amanti with a leather package. I must say, the car has an unusual look that grows on me daily. The ride is extremely smooth and well-balanced. Although it may not be the flattest in hard turns, I bought it for the ride quality, not for a sporty feel. I get almost as many stares in the Amanti as I do in my red '70 Chevelle. The torque and acceleration are greater than I could have expected. With only 1500 miles so far, I already love this car! The beautiful leather, fit, and finish are awesome. It is the quietest and most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. The '07 Amanti is an impressive car and so affordable. It is definitely a WOW! so far.
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My wife and I were searching for a new car to replace our Lincoln LS, which we gave to our son for graduation. While browsing, my wife spotted a 2008 Amanti that caught her eye and suggested we take it for a spin. Although the sticker price was $32,000 with every available option, I expressed my concern about the cost to the salesman. He assured us of 'BIG discounts', so we decided to take it for a test drive. We were both impressed with the car and decided to take it home. We have now driven about 6,500 miles and are extremely satisfied with our purchase. The car is performing well, achieving 27.5 mpg on the highway and averaging 23.5 overall. We have not encountered any issues with the car and plan to keep it for as long as possible.
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You've got yourself an excellent car with outstanding build quality! It feels and rides with a luxurious approach, and the styling is both different and elegant. The features are outstanding for the price, and while you may not need navigation, Kia should definitely put it in for those who want every option. You could have spent 5 grand more for a new Malibu V6 LTZ, but it's just another tarted up car that has cheaper versions - an Amanti has it all!
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After driving midsized cars for a number of years, I thought it was time to try something new. I'm happy to report that with barely 200 miles on it, I'm already seeing 30 mpg on the highway! I have noticed a slight vibration when I apply the brakes, but I think that's just a brake rotor out of round. Other than that, I'm really enjoying my new car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Kia Amanti problems:
2009 Kia Amanti Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 2009 Kia Amanti? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2009 Kia Amanti.
Q&A: 2006 Kia Amanti RPM Issues - Expert Advice | JustAnswer
Dec 14, 2021 ... 2006 Kia Amanti is having issues with the rpms at almost 2000 at idle. Had been experiencing loss of power and bucking - Answered by a ...
Kia Amanti Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top Kia Amanti Problems · Accelerator Position Switch May Fail and Cause Sluggish Acceleration · Starting difficulty due to defective anti-theft control module.
Common 2004 Kia Amanti Problems: Q&A on Right Turn Signals ...
Jul 14, 2020 ... I have a 2004 Kia Amanti. - My right turn signals (front and back) do not work. - Headlight and taillight works just - Answered by a ...
2005 Amanti Throttle Body Assembly Goes Bad 4th Time | Kia Forum
Apr 24, 2011 ... Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch to correct these issues. This recall is to begin on June 17, 2009. The Kia recall number is SC077.
Other years of Kia Amanti
Are you having problems with your 2009 Kia Amanti?
Jerrod Skiles 2025-01-07
I really enjoy driving this car on a trip, but it can be a bit harsh and lumpy in the city. Unfortunately, there are rattles throughout the dash, but I just turn up the stereo to drown them out. On the bright side, the highway mileage is excellent. However, the brakes could use some improvement and the transmission tends to lurch when cold.
Guiseppe Hayes 2024-04-02
The car is okay, but I don't think I would spend $30K to buy another one. I have the loaded version with leather and all the bells and whistles. When I first purchased it, I was driving 50K miles a year and wanted a car that felt safe on the highway. However, now that I only drive 12K - 15K, I don't enjoy driving it as much. I am planning to look for a smaller car with all the bells and whistles that gets better than 20 mpg.